Two months after he took office, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, presented an appropriation bill of N242.283 billion for the 2020 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
Presenting his maiden budget estimate christened, “Consolidation for Prosperity 2020,” Senator Diri said the appropriation bill defines the structure for the economic activities to be undertaken in the fiscal year.
In a press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor emphasised that the policy thrust of his administration in the next four years remains consolidating on the gains already made by the previous government.
He said his administration would embark on special programmes and projects aimed at wealth creation.
Accordingly, he said his administration would encourage the people to participate in agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises and create opportunities toward attracting the private sector for industrialisation.
Senator Diri equally highlighted other programmes to include infrastructure development, housing and urban renewal, human capital development and public sector and financial management reforms.
On the current economic outlook, the governor said as a result of the ravaging effect of COVID-19 on the global economy, there was need for prudent management of resources.
He said the price of crude oil had nosedived drastically as against the federal government’s benchmark pegged at $55 per barrel thus affecting revenue from statutory allocations from the Federation Account.
As part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance and enhance transparency, Senator Diri maintained that the human resources, financial reporting, budgeting and procurement component of the state’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS) would be fully implemented this year.
The governor, who assured that his administration would continue with the implementation of the Federal Government approved minimum wage for workers, said the payment of gratuity arrears had already commenced for pensioners.
In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, commended Governor Diri and his team for the steps taken by his administration to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into the state.
He stressed the need for the state government to adopt more strategies to raise funds from alternative sources and seek ways to cushion the effects occasioned by the virus.
He assured that the assembly would expedite passage of the appropriation bill.
Taraba to observe Total Lockdown with effects from 22nd April 2020
Taraba State Government today gave a stricked directives on a Total lockdown on the state, TTimes TV confirmed the statements which was made in a broadcast by His Excellency Enrg. Haruna Manu Deputy Governor Taraba State with much emphasis on the security Operatives to checkmate boarders and prosecute violators of this directives as well as impound cars found on the road during this period.
The press statement reads…
Fellow Tarabans, It is necessary for me to address you today on matters relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the decisions taken by the state government to further safeguard our people from the affliction.
This has become necessary in view of the increasing number of confirmed cases in our neighbouring states. In spite of the fact that we have not recorded any confirmed case in Taraba so far, we must not be complacent. We have, therefore, resolved to take the following decisive steps.
There will be a total lockdown throughout the state beginning from tomorrow Wednesday April 22, at 11:00pm
All violators of this directive will be arrested and prosecuted. Vehicles found on the road during the period of the lockdown will be impounded. A mobile court will be established to promptly try offenders at the various points of entry into the state.
Regulated movement of the public is only allowed between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday and Saturday to allow citizens to purchase household essentials.
The only exceptions are workers on essential duties such as health workers, pharmaceutical shops, fuel stations, media houses etc.
Security operatives are to henceforth check private and commercial vehicles violating the principles of social distancing by overloading their vehicles with passengers.
That security operatives should check the influx of commercial tricycles popularly called Keke NAPEP, from unknown destinations into Jalingo metropolis and other towns in the State.
That the security operatives should arrest any unauthorized motorcycle movement within Jalingo metropolis, since the ban on the use of motorcycles for commercial purposes is still in force.
Worship centres, such as Mosques and Churches are hereby closed until further notice.
All wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies and other Parties remain suspended until further notice.
Security operatives have been ordered to mount surveillance checkpoints in Ibi, Wukari, Mayo-Lope, Zing, and Takum-Katsina/Ala entry points.
That the security operatives should work with Local Government Chairmen of Takum, Ussa, Kurmi, and Sardauna Local Government Councils to seal off entry points along the Cameroon border.
I thank you all for your cooperation so far on the COVID-19 preventive measures introduced by the state government and I urge all to be more patience and vigilant so we can jointly keep the pandemic from our dear state.
Let me also remind you of the importance of regular washing of hands, use of sanitizers, social distancing and the need for us to stay at home. These have proved globally to be very effective weapons against the spread of the Coronavirus.
Remember to stay at home, stay safe, don’t spread the virus COVID-19 is Real We care.
